Hongdou nodded, "Mother, I know. I am very grateful to Sister Zhenzhen. When I fell, if she hadn't come, I'm afraid I would have rotted in the mountains. Not to mention she brought wild ginseng to the capital! She not only saved your life but also took good care of you afterwards. I will always remember this kindness."
Hongdou's behavior made Yun shi very happy. At first, she was worried that Hongdou would feel wronged, but now it seemed she wasn't that kind of person.
Although she hadn't been by her side these past few years, her character remained excellent.
Kind, sensible, and grateful.
Yun shi held her hand and talked about the events of the past few years in detail, including Qin Lang, Lu Chen, and Gu Sinian.
Speaking of Lu Chen, Hongdou felt a little emotional, "At that time, Lu Chen did say he would wait for me to grow up."
If it weren't for Xiao Qin shi's interference, Yun shi felt that Qi Zhenzhen and Lu Chen should have been together.
Yun shi sighed. Although Hongdou was young, she had already come of age. As her mother, she should start looking for a suitable match for her.
Lu Chen was now alone, wasn't he?
As if sensing what Yun shi was thinking, Hongdou leaned against Yun shi and said softly, "Mother, fate cannot be forced. Think about it, if Sister Zhenzhen hadn't come, you wouldn't have returned to the capital. The marriage with the Lu family would only have been an empty promise. Therefore, Lu Chen and I have no fate. Besides, my mother and daughter have finally reunited, and you are so eager to marry me off?"
Yun shi was touched, "Mother will listen to you. Indeed, fate cannot be rushed. However, we should still look for suitable matches so that we won't miss out if someone suitable appears. Let's return to the manor as soon as possible. We also need to inform your father and your grandmother about my decision to recognize you as my adopted daughter."
Only when Qi Tianming and the Old Madam approved would Hongdou's status be truly honored.
"I'll listen to you."
The mother and daughter had so much to say after their reunion that they talked until the sky began to lighten.
"Why don't you get some sleep?" Yun shi looked at the dark circles under Hongdou's eyes and felt a pang of heartache. For the past few days, Hongdou had been rushing to save her and hadn't had a good rest. Now, being pulled by her to talk all night, her fatigue was evident.
"It's alright, Mother, I can manage," Hongdou smiled.
She just hadn't rested well. When she was trying to survive, it was common for her to stay awake for five or six consecutive days.
"Then, after breakfast, you can go back to your room to rest."
During breakfast, Yun shi announced her intention to recognize Hongdou as her adopted daughter. Everyone around Qi Zhenzhen found it normal, as in their eyes, if it weren't for Hongdou, it was uncertain whether Madam Yun could have escaped danger.
Er Xi was very happy. Although she and Hongdou were not trained in the same batch, they were considered companions.
The maid who had been disguised as Yun shi was completely stunned. Madam Yun had always been clear about rewards and punishments. Even if Hongdou had contributed, she also had her faults. Her merits and demerits canceled each other out, so there were no special benefits. As for herself, she had been frightened and threatened, but she had still helped Madam Yun stabilize the situation in the manor. She thought Madam Yun would definitely be grateful to her! She never expected that she wouldn't be mentioned at all.
She had even complained about Hongdou to Madam Yun. Now that Hongdou had risen to the status of a mistress, would she settle the score with her? She still had her parents in the manor, and she couldn't abandon them.
"Miss, I was wrong, please forgive me," the maid said tremblingly.
Hongdou stared at her without speaking, making the maid sweat profusely on her back, unsure of what to do.
"When did Madam leave the manor?" Hongdou asked casually.
The maid's eyes lit up, knowing that Hongdou was giving her an opportunity. She immediately said without hesitation, "Yesterday, Madam received a letter from the second young lady and was very concerned about her, so she came to Taihe Temple."